This article will help you get your bearings and better understand how to prepare. All the ideas in this article are drawn from a student-led panel of upperclassmen from Fall 2024, held ahead of the Fall Career Fair. The advice comes from students who have experienced career fairs themselves. 

Career exploration 

At its core, a career fair is an opportunity to explore the types of careers that exist and learn which companies might allow you to pursue those paths. It is completely okay if you are not yet looking for an internship or job; for many first-year students, the goal is simply to learn and get exposure. This can feel quite different from how some students approach career fairs, where the experience can feel more like a test between you and the recruiters. 

There is an element of evaluation happening, but it is not a one-way street. Recruiters may be evaluating you as a potential candidate, and you are also evaluating a few important things. 

First, you can evaluate the kind of work a company does and decide whether that work is of interest to you. This is a valuable opportunity to learn more about the types of jobs that could be a good fit in the future. Reflect on the technical skills and expertise needed for the role and other aspects that might sound appealing, such as collaborating with others to accomplish shared goals. 

Second, think about the company itself. Are there elements that sound appealing or concerning? Consider factors like the company’s location or what day-to-day work might look like. Are you able to learn about workplace culture or employee policies that stand out to you? Even if you do not pursue opportunities with this organization, taking note of these elements can be helpful for future decision making. Learning what does and does not appeal to you is still a successful outcome of attending a career fair, even if no immediate applications or offers result. 

Do some light research 

One helpful step before attending a career fair is to research which companies and organizations will be in attendance, keeping in mind that this research does not need to take much time. You can usually find a list of participating employers on the event’s webpage. From there, try selecting at least five companies that seem interesting to you. 

Spend a bit of time learning about those organizations and reflecting on what stands out, as well as what you would like to learn more about during the fair. You do not need to know everything about a company but having a basic understanding of the work they do and any prominent projects can go a long way. 

This preparation can help you feel more confident during conversations and signal to recruiters that you took the time to learn about their organization. 

Practicing skills 

Beyond exploration, career fairs are also a great space to practice important career skills. 

Most notably, they provide multiple opportunities to practice your elevator pitch (click here for more information on what an elevator pitch is and how to prepare one). These practice runs can serve as building blocks for how you talk about yourself in many different contexts, not just with employers. 

For example, the same skills can be useful when applying to do research in a lab or when networking and meeting new people around campus or at a conference. Each interaction helps you refine how you present your strengths and adapt your message to different audiences. Try to think of these conversations as low-stakes opportunities to experiment with phrasing and notice what resonates. 

And remember that recruiters are ready to hear pitches of all levels of preparedness! A pitch that you find awkward is just a normal part of the day for a recruiter, so don’t stress it too much. 

Flexible elevator pitch 

When it comes to elevator pitches, it can be helpful not to think of them as a script you must deliver the same way every time. Instead, think of your pitch as a flexible starting point that can change depending on who you are speaking with. 

This mindset allows you to be more responsive during conversations rather than feeling locked into a version of your pitch that may not fit every interaction. One useful strategy is to identify a few experiences or classes you might draw from and then choose which ones to highlight based on the flow of the conversation. 

Let questions do the heavy lifting 

After sharing your elevator pitch, it is common to wonder what to say next. For many students, this moment can feel awkward. 

A reliable next step is to ask the recruiter a question. You might ask about internship opportunities for first-year students or what typical day-to-day responsibilities look like. 

You can also take a more exploratory approach by asking questions that help you learn about the company or industry more broadly. Examples include questions like, “What kinds of projects or initiatives is the team most excited about right now?” or “What skills or qualities tend to help someone thrive in your organization?” 

These types of questions help you gather information that can inform your future decisions and keep the conversation moving naturally.  

Even better, you can just reuse questions (or think of similar ones) to use with the different employers present. There is no need to reinvent the wheel for every booth; keep it easy on yourself! 

Professional but comfortable 

An often overlooked but frequently mentioned tip is to dress comfortably. Career fair days can be long, and you may find yourself on your feet and talking with many employers in a short period of time. Wearing shoes and clothing that support this can make a big difference. 

At the same time, aim to strike a balance between looking professional and feeling like yourself. If you do not typically wear a suit or dress, you do not need to force yourself into one for this occasion. A helpful rule of thumb is to follow business casual guidelines, which offer flexibility while still presenting a professional appearance (click here for a business casual guide). 

Reflection 

Once the career fair is over, there is still one final step: reflection. While it can be tempting to move on quickly from a career fair, especially if it felt stressful, taking time to reflect can help you learn from the experience and feel more prepared for future events. 

For example, think about how your elevator pitch landed in conversations. Were there parts that felt unclear or needed more explanation? Did you find yourself providing too much background information at certain points? 

You can also reflect on your overall approach to the fair. Were there elements of your preparation that were particularly useful? Did you choose the right number of companies to speak with? These are just a few prompts to get you started. The most important part of reflection is approaching the experience with curiosity and using it as a learning opportunity. Growth will come over time in this area, and these practice opportunities go a long way to make it happen. 

Closing thoughts 

Career fairs can be a little intimidating, especially if it’s your first one. Feeling uncomfortable is totally normal, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. The main goal isn’t to have everything figured out; it’s really about showing up, trying things, and learning as you go. 

For first-year students, success might just mean having a few conversations, asking some questions, and leaving with a better idea of what interests you. Those small steps matter and will make future career fairs feel easier. 

Think of each fair as just one part of a bigger process. Confidence and clarity come with practice and reflection over time, not from getting it perfect the first time. 

If you need help on the day of the career fair, stop by the CAPD booth and ask for advice! We’re happy to help. If you want assistance leading up to the career fair, consider connecting with CAPD to talk about finding companies to speak to, or honing your elevator pitch.  

Looking to learn more about moving into industry? See the Industry Bound Career Series page for PhDs and Postdocs!

Interested in climate and sustainability and curious where you can make a difference? Attend the Climate and Sustainability Career Expo to learn about research, internships, and careers in climate.

This event is intended to be a opportunity that encourages employers to showcase their work in the climate and sustainability space even if their full-time or internship opportunities are not yet posted. During the Career Expo employers will promote upcoming jobs, internships, research experiences, and projects at their organizations. While some employers may have roles posted by the event on Friday, November 7, 2025, many employers will open applications over the winter or in the spring.

This event is hosted by the Harvard FAS Mignone Center for Career Success (undergraduate, MA/MS/ALM, and PhD) in collaboration with the Salata Institute for Climate and Sustainability, Harvard School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard Business School, Harvard Divinity School, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard Law School, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Candidate information

Find employers looking for candidates like you. This event hosts employers who are actively recruiting for internships and jobs with start dates this year. Use our 2025 Harvard Climate & Sustainability Employers sortable database to filter attending employers.

Gather information and make connections for the future. Explore different industries and companies. Attend the expo to see the range of positions that use your skillset and explore options for your future internship and job search.

Connect with MIT alumni. Often times employers send MIT alumni in their organizations to participate in events on campus. Come connect with MIT alumni and learn how their MIT education and experience connected with their work.

Come prepared! Check out these tips to make the most of this opportunity to connect with employers. Wear professional attire aligned with your field of interest. If you’re unsure of what to wear, CAPD suggests smart casual attire.



New for 2025: Careers in Climate Action Speaker Series and Networking Event on Thursday Nov. 6th 

Join us on November 6th for an evening with alumni, industry leaders, founders, and changemakers who are shaping the future of climate and sustainability careers. The program will feature a keynote address, dynamic panels, and lightning-round “reverse pitches” highlighting diverse pathways—from climate finance and clean technology to sustainable design, advocacy, and community leadership—followed by an interactive networking dinner connecting students, alumni, and employers from across the climate and sustainability ecosystem.

The event will also be livestreamed and recorded. 

Date: Thursday, November 6th
Time: 3:30–9:00 PM
Location: Fong Auditorium in Boylston Hall, 5 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138

Register Here for In Person and Livestream Participation for the Climate Action Speaker Series 

Program Overview

3:30–4:15 PM | Panel 1 – Empowering Climate and Sustainability Leaders: Building the Workforce for Change

• Anshuman Bapna, CEO, Terra.do
• Matthias Muehlbauer, COO and Co-Founder, OnePointFive
• Emilie McGlone, Executive Director, UN Peace Boat
• Matheus Lima, Fellowship Coordinator, Clean Energy Leadership Institute
• Kannan Thiruvengadam, Executive Director, Eastie Farm

Climate action starts with people. This panel brings together organizations training, mentoring, and mobilizing individuals to lead change—from local farms to global networks. Speakers will share how they’re building the skills, leadership, and community connections needed for a just and effective climate transition.

4:15–4:45 PM | Keynote – Careers with Impact: Navigating the Climate and Sustainability Job Landscape
Speaker: Leonard Adler, Founder and CEO, Green Jobs Network

The climate job market is dynamic—growing in some areas, contracting in others, and constantly shifting with policy, technology, and investment trends. Leonard Adler will share strategies for navigating this evolving landscape, whether you’re seeking your first role, making a transition, or building on existing experience. Learn how to align your skills and values with opportunities that make a meaningful impact.

4:45–5:30 PM | Reverse Pitch 1 – Climate and Sustainability Startups: Innovating Under Pressure

• Emma Shockley, Chief Program Officer, Climate Cardinals
• Carl Philip Dybwad, COO, Climate Cardinals
• Luciano Bueno, CEO, Galy
• Dr. Ahmad Antar, Founder and Executive Director, Digital Emissions
• Oliver Barham, COO and Co-Founder, Terra Fusion
• Nicolas Davies, Analyst at Carbon Containment Lab
• Ujjwal Kumar, Founder, Quantum Alliance

Startups drive many of the most exciting climate innovations—but they also face steep hurdles. In this reverse pitch, founders will share what they’re building and one real challenge they’re tackling right now. Students and alumni will be invited to contribute fresh perspectives that could help shape the future of climate entrepreneurship.

5:30–5:45 PM | Break

5:45–6:15 PM | Panel 2 – Designing Resilient Futures: From Data to Action

• Stephanie Gagnon, President, Climate Risk Institute
• Tappan Parker, Outreach and Engagement Lead, World Resources Institute
• Fernando Yu, Economist, Aretian Urban Analytics & Design LLC
• Benjamin Matusow, Sr. Climate and Coastal Resilience Infrastructure Delivery Project Manager, City of Boston Planning Department
  Moderator: Morayo Kamson, Master in Urban Planning ’27

Building climate resilience requires bridging data, design, and decision-making. This panel brings together leaders using analytics, research, and innovation to turn climate risk insights into action. Speakers will explore how they are helping communities and institutions design resilient futures in the face of a changing climate.

6:15–6:45 PM | Panel 3 – Financing the Future: Climate and Sustainability Capital and Philanthropy

• Elizabeth Lewis, Managing Director and Global Head of Sustainability for the Infrastructure Group, Blackstone
• Joanna Messing, CEO, Growald Climate Fund

Capital is a critical driver of climate action, but financing the transition requires creativity, patience, and cross-sector collaboration. This panel brings together leaders from investment, philanthropy, and global climate finance to explore how they’re mobilizing resources toward meaningful impact. Panelists will share insights on career paths that connect financial strategy with environmental and social outcomes—and how the next generation can help shape where capital flows.

6:45–7:30 PM | Reverse Pitch 2 – Leading for Impact: Scaling Climate and Sustainability Solutions Across System

• Elizabeth Gray, CEO, Audubon Society
• Øyvind Bjørnstad, Director of Sustainability, Vestre
• Kayla Creek, Talent Manager, Elevate
• Rob Werner, New Hampshire State Director, League of Conservation Voters
• Lezlie A. Griffin, Director of Talent and Equity, Earthworks
• Karina Weinstein, Director of Sustainability and Climate Change, FXB Global

Climate and sustainability leadership takes many forms—from protecting biodiversity and designing sustainable cities to expanding clean energy access, strengthening community resilience, and advancing climate justice. In this reverse pitch, cross-sector organizations will share key challenges they face in scaling equitable and impactful climate solutions. Students and alumni will be invited to think alongside these leaders, offering creative, cross-disciplinary ideas for collaboration and impact at scale.

7:30–9:00 PM | Networking Dinner & Reception
Join us for an informal buffet dinner and networking session in Ticknor Lounge. Organizations will be grouped by theme, making it easy for students to find and connect with presenters based on their interests and career goals. Employers and representatives are also encouraged to network with one another and build connections across the climate and sustainability ecosystem.

Partnering with the following MIT departments:

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – MIT community members value workplaces that are inclusive and welcoming of people from varying backgrounds, viewpoints, experiences, and ideas. In preparation for interviewing, employers should prepare their recruiters to engage with students and postdocs from different cultures and nationalities. Diversity training can help recruiters be more inclusive and improve communication throughout the search process. 
• Respecting Identity – Developing a good relationship with potential hires means appreciating how they want to be addressed. This could be relative to how they pronounce their name or preferred pronouns (she/her, he/him, they). If you mistakenly use the wrong pronoun, acknowledge it and try to use the correct one in the future. Look at the Best Practices: Respectful Pronoun Use in Recruitment offered by the University of Arkansas for suggested wording when interviewing. 
• Gender-based Assumptions – Inappropriate recruiting practices can manifest in various ways that reinforce gender stereotypes and create hostile environments. Employers are encouraged to examine their biases and avoid stereotyping roles based on gender. In addition, we caution employers against commenting on a candidate’s appearance, attire, or physical attributes, which is considered unprofessional. 
• Illegal Interview Questions – Employers should focus on asking questions about the skills, experience, and qualifications required for the job.  In general, illegal questions relate to a candidate’s race, gender, age, religion, marital status, nationality, or disability and are irrelevant to the candidate’s ability to perform the job. Examples of inappropriate questions:
  • Age or Family Status: How old are you? Are you planning to start a family soon?
  • Gender and Sexual Orientation: Do you identify as male or female? What is your sexual orientation?
  • Race, Ethnicity, or National Origin: What is your race? What is your native language? 
  • Religion or Political Affiliation: What religion do you practice, or holidays do you observe? Which political party do you support?
• Fair Hiring Practices—Employers should aim to use inclusive language in job descriptions to encourage all candidates to apply regardless of gender. Further, pay equity is critical to counter gender pay equity when developing compensation packages and salary offers. Employers should also be prepared and open to women and men negotiating job offers. 
• Alcohol-Free Recruiting—Creating opportunities to get to know potential hires over dinner or networking events can help find someone who is the right fit for a role and your organization. However, we caution employers from having alcohol at recruiting events as many MIT candidates are outside the legal drinking age (21 years) in the United States. In addition, alcohol can sometimes undermine the professional tone of an event or exclude individuals who do not drink alcohol for personal reasons. 

Additional Resources

• CAPD Recruiting Guidelines
• U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment Commission https://www.eeoc.gov/ – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is responsible for enforcing federal laws that make it illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. The EEOC website provides details on the laws and regulations that candidates in the U.S. are accustomed. 
• National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) – NACE is the leading source of information on the employment of the college-educated, and forecasts hiring and trends in the job market; tracks starting salaries, recruiting and hiring practices, and student attitudes and outcomes; and identifies best practices and benchmarks. View the Professional Standards for University Relations & Recruiting to learn more about the landscape of college recruiting.

If you have questions or would like to discuss interviewing at MIT, please see our webpage about scheduling interviews, and/ or email hiremit@mit.edu to meet with a member of the Employer Relations team.

The fair will take place on an academic holiday and is the largest annual recruiting event open to all MIT undergraduate and graduate students, postdocs, and recent alumni, as well as students at Harvard. Network and connect with employers across industries!

Visit the FCF website for more information on how to register and prepare, and to learn about our special label initiatives.

We look forward to seeing you at this year’s Fall Career Fair! If you have any questions, please email cfairs@mit.edu.

**CAPD photo booth sessions have ended for the spring semester 2025**

Your professional journey starts with a strong impression, and we’re here to help you make it unforgettable. Our photo booth offers a hassle-free solution for capturing the perfect headshot to boost your professional brand and LinkedIn profile.

Here’s why it’s a must-try:

1. First Impressions Matter: Your headshot speaks volumes before you say a word, making it essential to present yourself professionally from the start.
2. Craft Your Brand: Stand out with a headshot that reflects your personality, professionalism, and unique style, enhancing your personal brand.
3. Online Impact: Enhance your LinkedIn profile with a standout headshot that catches the eye of recruiters and industry professionals, bolstering your online presence.
4. Convenient & FREE: Skip the hassle of scheduling with photographers. Our photo booth offers a convenient and cost-effective option for capturing your perfect shot.

Smart casual is one of the most challenging dress codes to pin down. It is not quite formal attire, but it also isn’t everyday casual attire. Finding the sweet spot between the various dress codes is key to creating a smart casual look that appears well-thought-out and polished.

However, selecting the outfit that will make the wearer confident isn’t as difficult as it may seem. Most people have the right clothing pieces for a smart casual outfit in their wardrobe already.

Read the rest of the article on LinkedIn (no login required).

Connect with exceptional talent at MIT’s Stratton Student Center

MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) is hosting a recruiting event at Sala de Puerto Rico at MIT’s Stratton Student Center on the evening of February 26, 2026. Join us for an in-person gathering aimed at fostering connections between students and forward-thinking organizations with internship and full-time opportunities for 2026.

****All booths are currently filled, but we are continuing to accept applications for the waitlist as space becomes available.****

Why should you attend the Spring Career Night?

• Connect directly with top-tier undergraduate and graduate students, recent alumni, and postdocs who seek opportunities in 2026 and beyond.
• Explore a diverse pool of talent with a wide array of career interests.
• Elevate your organization’s brand within the MIT community.
• Registered employers will have access to a student resume book, as well as the opportunity to conduct interviews on campus the following day (Friday, February 27) with students you meet at the event.

Spring Career Night Logistics

• Registered employers, please fill out the logistics form (includes request for parking).
• Map floor layout and table numbers (bottom left and assigned to Employer registrations)

Interviews the day after the Spring Career Night

A separate interview day will be hosted on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 9am – 4pm in CAPD’s Recruiting Suite in Building E17-294. Each room is $200 and can be paid for at the time of registration in Handshake. Interview rooms comes with a table, two (2) chairs, landline, dry erase board, and cabinet for locking up personal belongings. Employers will be able to invite students they meet on the day of the event to participate in individual interviews the day after. Employers are responsible for organizing the interview schedule sign-ups and notifications to students about their interview slots.

Please contact us with any questions at cfairs@mit.edu.

Make a great first impression

The first 30 seconds of an interaction, whether in-person or virtual, can make or break one person’s impression of another. While many judgments are implicit (i.e. we have no control over them), there are several ways to ensure that you are putting your best foot forward.

Be on time.

Employers expect you to arrive on time (or 5-10 minutes early) and be ready to engage. If you are going to be late for a recruiting and employer event or an interview, contact the facilitator to let them know. 

Be present and engaged.

Preparing questions to engage the listener will demonstrate your genuine interest in their company or career path.

If you are attending a virtual event, turn on your camera and engage through chat functions when possible. If you are not able to have your camera on, let them know at the beginning of the conversation. Review our tips for engaging virtually with employers to learn more.

Communicate in a timely manner.

After meeting with a professional contact, following up within 24-hours is a surefire way to help them remember you and maintain the connection. Otherwise, when corresponding via email we recommend you respond within 24-48 hours to any employer communications.

Waiting too long to respond can read as disinterest or rudeness. Review CAPD’s professional correspondence samples to get started. 

Assess your fit with the company 

When meeting an employer or other professional contact for the first time, keep in mind your impression of them is also valuable.

Reflect on your interests and work values to make an informed decision about your next career move, and to ensure it is an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Start by reviewing the resources below for assessing employers, as well as your own needs. 

• Clarify your interests, skills, and values through self-assessment.
• Network and conduct informational interviews to gain firsthand information about a company from current employees including MIT alums. 
• Learn how to use affinity/identity-specific labels for finding inclusive employers on Handshake, review CAPD’s pay equity resources, or read our guidelines for assessing employers for disability inclusion.

Advocate for yourself during the interview process

Be a proactive and timely communicator when advocating for yourself during the internship or job search.  For example, you might need to request a new interview date, clarify aspects of an offer package, or request more time to make a decision about an offer.

Clear and direct communication can help you build rapport with the employer, set the tone for mutual respect, and will allow you to feel more confident in your next career decision.

The resources below can help you advocate for yourself during the interview process. 

• Understand behavior norms and recruiting guidelines for students.
• Review CAPD’s recruiting guidelines for employers, including information on recruiting timelines.
• Ask questions during the interview to gain insight on the position, company, opportunity for growth, and more. 
• Carefully evaluate the job offer, make note of anything that you are unsure of, and ask your recruiter any clarifying questions before accepting the position. 

Having trouble making a decision about an offer? Book an appointment with a CAPD advisor to discuss further.  

Learn more here.